Disney’s Tangled gives Alicante studios a fairytale-sized boost
Filming at Ciudad de la Luz has been extended as the production brings jobs, spending and global attention to the region
Disney’s live-action version of Tangled is set to remain at Ciudad de la Luz in Alicante until around October 21, following an extension to its filming schedule.The production had initially been expected to spend seven weeks shooting at the studios, but that has now grown to nine. Its team has been based in Alicante since February, with work across pre-production, filming and post-production expected to amount to almost 11 months.
The figures behind the project are eye-catching. The film is expected to bring a direct economic impact of €40 million to Alicante, rising to an estimated €120 million across the Valencian Community through related activity.
Disney’s arrival was already expected to bring more than €40 million to Alicante and the Valencian Community.
More than 1,000 people have worked on the project, which has led to nearly 2,500 direct and indirect hires involving local professionals, companies and services. Regional minister for Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade Marián Cano says productions of this scale help put the Valencian Community “in its rightful place on the world map of the audiovisual industry.”
For director Michael Gracey, best known for The Greatest Showman, the experience has clearly made an impression. He described the Ciudad de la Luz facilities as “fantastic”, praising the people, locations and spaces available across the region.
“We were based at the studios, but we also travelled to many places in Spain,” he said, adding that having the complex just 15 minutes from Alicante city was a real advantage.
Filming has also taken place in various locations around Alicante province and elsewhere in Spain, including Tarragona. The production team says the combination of studio space, technical support and landscapes was crucial in choosing the location.
Diane Sabatini, Disney’s senior vice-president of physical production, said the search for the right place had taken seven years. When the team discovered Ciudad de la Luz, she said, it proved to be “a fantastic and exceptional location, with all the necessary resources.”There has been one challenge, though. Executive producer María Cabello pointed to a shortage of qualified local staff, saying continued support is needed to bring in specialist teams while building up experience in the region. She also noted that young people from training centres have been able to gain practical experience during the production.
Ciudad de la Luz currently has occupancy above 90% and has generated more than €67 million of activity over the last four years, with 15 productions, more than 30,000 overnight stays and work for over 400 local companies.
The new Tangled film, starring Teagan Croft, Milo Manheim, Kathryn Hahn and Diego Luna, is scheduled for release on March 31, 2028.
Image: Generalitat de Valencia
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